The microminerals are 17 essential nutrients that your body requires in relatively small amounts. They support many processes in the body (such as growth, metabolism and wound healing) and also act in a protective capacity (by preventing cancer and diabetes and strengthening the immune system). In this article I will be helping you top up on these important nutrients by providing you with 4 excellent micromineral food sources.
1) ALMONDS:- Almonds are an excellent snacking food and make a great alternative to processed snacks such as crisps and chocolate. They also provide you with high levels of the microminerals boron (2.8 milligrams (mg) per 100 grams (g)), copper (1mg per 100g) and manganese (2.3mg per 100g). Collectively these nutrients keep your bones healthy, assist in the production of various cells, hormones and connective tissues, activate key enzymes and support metabolism (the conversion of food into an energy source that your body can use. In addition to this, almonds act as powerful antioxidants and protect your body’s cells from damaging free radicals (harmful by-products of oxygen related reactions).
2) BRAZIL NUTS:- Brazil nuts are another healthy snack food. They can be eaten on their own or combined with other nuts (such as almonds) as part of a nut mix. Brazil nuts are rich in the microminerals boron (1.7mg per 100g), copper (5.5mg per 100g), iron (2.43mg per 200g) and selenium (1.92mg per 100g) which assist in the production of healthy red blood cells and strengthen the immune system. Eating Brazil nuts can also protect your body against cancer (a disease where some of the cells in your body start to grow in a rapid, uncontrollable way) and heart disease.
3) ORANGES:- Like the other foods listed, oranges are also a very good snack food which contain good levels of boron (0.25mg per 100g). Apart from being a good source of this micromineral, oranges have countless health benefits. They have been shown to prevent arteriosclerosis (the hardening and loss of elasticity in the arteries), cancer and heart disease whilst also supporting strong, healthy bones and blood cells.
4) GARLIC:- Garlic a fantastic source of the micromineral germanium and can be added to almost any dish. This nutrient acts in a protective capacity throughout the body by preventing asthma (a respiratory disorder which causes breathing difficulties), arthritis (inflammation of the joints), cancer, diabetes (a condition which causes your blood glucose levels to become extremely high), high blood pressure and osteoporosis (reduced bone density).
SUMMARY
Whilst the microminerals are only required in very small amounts it is still very important that you do not neglect them from your diet. By eating more of the foods on this list you can ensure that your diet is rich in these essential nutrients and enjoy all the health benefits that they provide. So start getting your micromineral fix today by eating more oranges, snacking on nuts and adding garlic to your dishes.
Tom Parker owns Free Fitness Tips – a fantastic source of free, impartial fitness advice. You can get more micromineral foods and a full overview of the 17 microminerals by visiting his website.
